Portarlington | Bellarine Coastal Trail | Self-Guided Bike Tour

Melbourne , Australia

Portarlington | Bellarine Coastal Trail | Self-Guided Bike Tour

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About this experience

For a fun adventure close to Melbourne look no further than our Portarlington Self-Guided Bike Tour. Start the day with spectacular bay views cruising on the Docklands to Portarlington Ferry. Enjoy your cycle experience pedalling along the beautiful Bellarine Coastal Trail from Portarlington Pier to St Leonards. The trail is an easy gradient on well-maintained gravel surfaces, bitumen, and bridges. The views across Port Phillip Bay are spectacular including the You Yangs and the Melbourne City Skyline.

Enjoy refreshments along the way or collect local treats for a picnic lunch. Parks, picnic facilities, and amenities are dispersed at various intervals along the trail. Spend the afternoon exploring the gorgeous historic seaside village of Portarlington.

Included: Docklands to Portarlington return ferry ticket, bike, helmet, water bottle, pack rack bag, maps & written guide, first aid kit, telephone assistance throughout the day if required.

Available options

Portarlington | Bellarine Coastal Trail | Self-Guided Bike Tour

What's included

Port Phillip Ferries return ticket from Docklands to Portarlington

Use of bicycle

Detailed itinerary

Start the day cruising on the Docklands to Portarlington Ferry with spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne. Return by ferry in the afternoon.

Walk along the historic Portarlington Pier, originally built in 1859. See the fleet of fishing vessels, mainly mussel boats, based at the Pier. Check out the Aboriginal art celebrating a sense of Wadawurrung Country along the new covered walkway to the ferry terminal.

Explore the gorgeous historic seaside village of Portarlington.

Follow the coastline as you cycle past the golden beaches of Portarlington and Indented Head. Easy access from the trail to the safe and sheltered beach with soft, clean sand and gentle lapping waves. Stop to relax and breathe in some ocean air.

Cycle to Wrathall Reserve, Indented Head. View the historic Batman Memorial and relax under the cypress trees.

Cycle to historic St Leonards past gorgeous beaches, the St Leonards Pier, the Sirens Boathouse, and the Kiosk.
Explore the village and stop at a homewares store and one of the several eateries where you can enjoy a coffee, snack, or lunch, or sip on a wine or beer in the ocean-facing beer garden of the iconic St Leonards’ Hotel.

Available languages

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Walk to the start of the Portarlington Pier and meet our guide with the Cycling Vine Tours grey top.

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes